Public defence in Communications Engineering and Networking Technology, M.Sc. Nassim Sehad

The title of the thesis: Advancing Human–Computer Communication for the Internet of Senses: A UAV Scenario

Thesis defender: Nassim Sehad
Opponent: Prof. Preben E. Mogensen, Aalborg University, Denmark
Custos: Prof. Riku Jäntti, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering

The Internet of Senses (IoS) is a paradigm that goes beyond traditional audio-visual interaction by integrating multi-sensory experiences using advanced networks, Fifth-Generation (5G) communication, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and robotics. It aims to create immersive experiences that engage multiple senses, including sight, hearing, and touch, for realistic digital–physical interactions, bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.

This study focused on developing an IoS platform to deliver low-latency, multi-sensory interactions, particularly for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) teleoperation, virtual collaboration, and other immersive scenarios. The goal was to explore methods to enhance immersion, control precision, and overall Quality of Experience (QoE) while addressing key technical challenges associated with real-time multi-sensory transmission, including latency, synchronization, and reliable high-mobility communication.

The research is highly relevant to human–computer interaction, immersive media, and digital twin technologies. It investigated combining haptic feedback, digital twin modeling, reinforcement learning (RL), and semantic communication to optimize sensory data transmission. A real-world UAV testbed validated these approaches, demonstrating measurable improvements in latency, responsiveness, and system adaptability, while providing practical insights for designing robust IoS systems.

The main result was a functional IoS platform that enables precise, immersive, and low-latency human–machine interaction. The study provides new insights into multi-sensory telepresence beyond sight and hearing, applicable in UAV teleoperation, virtual tourism, remote healthcare and telesurgery, collaborative industrial training, and sensory-rich e-commerce. The findings conclude that carefully designed IoS systems can revolutionize human–machine interaction, support the development of next-generation immersive applications, and serve as a foundation for future research in multi-sensory computing and interactive technologies.

Key words: Extended Reality (XR), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Beyond 5G (B5G), Internet of Senses, Immersive Media, Semantic Communication, Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at Aaltodoc. 

Contact:
Email: sehad.nassim@gmail.com
Phone: +358417149648 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nassim-sehad-4554a760/  
Relevant demo: https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/towards-the-internet-of-senses